Initial Impressions
How To Find Romance And Love – As I travel to the little village of Kampong Lorong Buangkok for a new project, I’m not expecting much except friendly neighbors and a cheap place to stay. I don’t anticipate learning some life lesson about the importance of simplicity or how to be grateful for what I have. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ve just heard it countless times, so it kind of loses a bit of meaning. I’m a journalist for a major travel website, and they wanted a look at the “elusive” kampong.
The Reality of Kampong
“Elusive” isn’t the way to describe it; it’s just tiny. About thirty people live their quiet lives here, content with their simplicity. There isn’t some kind of secret or crazy strange society lurking within the village’s bounds. Unfortunately, people cannot fathom that a “unique” place can be normal. Thus, I am here, so they can learn it’s not exciting, and I can learn nothing.
Arrival
I get off bus 103 late in the day when the sky starts to glow a salmon color, and all the bugs of the night come out to sing and devour me. I cross the bridge and follow the road to my new little temporary place.
First Encounter
I’m only a little nervous because these people don’t appreciate outsiders bothering them or treating them like zoo animals just because they live in the last kampong in Singapore. Why people actually board planes to come here to walk through a village where the most exciting thing might be an elderly person waving is beyond me. I get it, it’s still standing strong against all odds, but I don’t get why people spend actual money to get here.
The Village’s Challenges
There used to be tons of floods, so they built a canal. That didn’t work. Then someone proposed spending $10 million to create a drainage system, but the government decided the 30-ish residents weren’t worth it and denied it. So, now there are tons of floods again. It’s truly an illustrious history.
A Surprising Welcome
A tall, tan man who can’t be more than thirty-five greets me at the Kampong border. Contrary to my expectations, he’s not Singaporean or old. He’s wearing a t-shirt that once was gray with khaki cargo shorts that fit him all too well. His masculine body, with a thick neck, broad shoulders and arms, and a smaller waist with strong legs, approaches briskly. He grabs a couple of bags off my arms.
Settling In
“Welcome to the village, I’m Peter. I’m your new roommate. Follow me,” he says. A small trickle of sweat drips from my bra down to my jeans, tickling a little as it slides down. The only people who find DD’s to be a ‘blessing’ are those who don’t have them. At this moment, I have to be disgusting. I’m drenched in under-boob sweat, and this poor, strikingly handsome man with a voice that could charm a hundred fishes out of water has to witness it.
Introductions and Adjustments
“What’s your name?” he asks, guiding me through the rundown Kampong. “Arielle,” I reply. We pass open gates and doors. A small older lady waves, and Peter shouts, “Hey, Mrs. Goh!” She smiles, and it makes me smile. We walk up to a tiny house and up the steps through the open door. He shows me a small room with just a twin bed and says, “Home sweet home.”
Unpacking and Realizations
I never thought I’d be so excited to have a tiny window air conditioner. I inquire why he’s alone, and he explains that his parents adopted him from America when he was young but passed away a few years ago. He helps his neighbors with yard work and house maintenance, explaining his dirt stains are from a runaway chicken he had to chase down. After the explanation, he helps me unpack my few things, mostly notebooks, and leaves me to unpack, offering to share a drink with me later. I politely decline, claiming I have tons to start writing tonight.
A Quiet Evening
The night passes, and I manage to get even more sweaty. It’s after midnight, and Peter with his underrated brown eyes said goodnight about an hour ago. I ponder his deep and rich eyes that always show emotion a little more than other colors. In the bathroom, locking myself in, I immediately strip. Peter has a full body mirror. I stop and look at myself. My horribly fried hair from college, reddish-brown roots peeking through, my huge thighs that jiggle when I walk, my boobs that aren’t cute and perky. My waist is tiny, curving into my humongous hips and thighs.
An Unexpected Slip
Upon getting out of the cold and uncomfortably hard watered shower, I realize I forgot to bring a towel in. I peek my head out of the bathroom door to check if the coast is clear and decide to make a break for my bedroom. My plan works perfectly except for when I take two steps out and slip, falling straight on my face and making as much noise as humanly possible. Peter’s bedroom door handle turns, and I silently curse the day I was born. He doesn’t skip a beat when he sees me sprawled across his living room floor, asks if I’m hurt, and quickly brings me a towel.
A New Day
Monday morning is much less awkward than I expected. He has a way of making everything seem light and not very serious. He acknowledges what happened last night and then breezes right past it. He introduces me to Mrs. Goh, who asks if Peter and I are “going together.” He immediately replies with a chipper, “Yes!” I feel my face heat up but go with it because Mrs. Goh is just so excited for the happy couple. After we leave, I ask him what that was about, and he laughs, saying, “No worries, her lips are sealed.”
Village Gossip
Upon leaving the house to begin yard work on Tuesday morning, we are bombarded by at least a third of the village about Peter’s “American girl”. Thanks to Mrs. Goh, he proudly shows me off to everyone, not knowing much more than my name. He doesn’t even know that I’m 12 years younger than him, and nobody seems to care. I think this is the hottest the gossip gets in this town.
Exploring Alone
Wednesday is a new day. My fake boyfriend is out doing yard work, and I have the day to myself to learn the town, tour guide free. I take pictures of the houses and trees that surround them. While I focus my camera, Peter approaches.
New Beginnings
“Done already?” I ask. It’s only three.
“It’s not exactly the biggest neighborhood,” he replies in a cute-but-snarky tone. “Mind if I join you?”
I tell him that I don’t mind. I’m glad he’s with me. I don’t think I’d be able to lie to all these sweet people about our relationship status the way he does so casually. Our walk consists of learning the similarities and differences between us.
Background Stories
He was adopted at four and raised by Singaporeans who loved him unconditionally, showing him a beautiful world before moving to this village. He considers himself more Singaporean than American. I was raised by indifferent Americans who showed me how to get into trouble before graduating high school. My job might just help me escape that life. He learned how to speak Chinese and value honest work. I learned to dislike authority figures but to respect everyone else.
An Unexpected Encounter
We keep walking in the wooded area until I wonder if we’re lost. Peter assures me he knows the way back. He suddenly stops and whispers with panic, “Don’t move.”
Ahead, a cobra is frozen in our path. I have an irrational fear of snakes, no matter their size or supposed harmlessness. Seeing one that can actually kill me elevates my fear to a new level. I freeze, shaking in my boots.
A Frightening Moment
Peter reaches for a stick slowly, which the snake does not appreciate. It stands up, ready to strike. It races towards me, and I am paralyzed with fear. Peter swings the stick like a golf club, trying to send the snake away, but only grazes it, barely slowing it down.
Heroic Actions
Peter lunges forward like a goalie, landing on the ground and grabbing the snake just inches from my feet. It flails in his hand, ready to bite. His quick reflexes allow him to grasp the snake’s head, paralyzing it mid-bite attempt. He gets a running start and throws the snake as far as he can. It might not be the proper way to handle an evil cobra, but I’m not complaining.
After the Ordeal
The fear keeps me frozen. Peter walks up to me cautiously. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice filled with concern.
Tears run down my face, and soon I am sobbing in front of him. I could have just died from my biggest fear. He envelops me in his strong, secure arms, consoling me with barely audible whispers and gentle swaying. I’ve never been comfortable crying in front of anyone, but he makes it feel okay; natural even. We stand together until I’m left with puffy eyes and tiny sobs.
Return to Safety
Peter guides me back through the woods to the road leading to his house. It’s almost completely dark when we arrive. The sky in Kampong Lorong Buangkok is clear, and coming from Bakersfield, California, it impresses me. The deep dark blue of the sky seems perfect for stargazing. These residents, lacking other entertainment, probably count stars every night. If I weren’t a journalist, I might have been an astronomer. I catch myself staring at the stars, then head inside through the almost always open door.
Comfort and Reflection
Peter wraps me in the warmest blanket I’ve ever felt and guides me to the couch, putting his arm around me. “At least while you’re here,” he whispers, “nothing bad is going to happen to you.” I don’t remember anything after that.
I wake up in my bed, smiling at the thought of our time together. Our fake relationship feels almost real. He’s an extrovert with love for everyone he meets. I am selective about who enters my social and love life. His presence seems to dissolve every barrier I’ve built. I wonder if he feels the same or if it’s just his caretaker instincts at play.
Preparing for the Day
Makeup has never been my forte, but I know a few tricks. Today, I try especially hard, maybe because of how he treated me after the snake incident. Being cared for feels new and comforting. I hope he shares his feelings or makes his interest more apparent soon. No one has time for ambiguous relationships, and I lack the patience for them.
The day goes by quickly. I stay inside to prepare my questions for tomorrow. Peter pops in and out, gathering various items for his tasks.
Facing the Community
I wake up Friday morning, ready to interview the people of Kampong Lorong Buangkok with Peter as my guide. By the end of the day, my expectations are confirmed. They are regular people who cherish their simple lives and dislike intrusive questions from journalists. They are polite, of course, but the questions required by my assignment feel almost degrading.
Evening Reflections
By night, I despise myself more than before. Ready to escape my self-loathing, I accept his earlier offer for a drink. We sit together on the couch, sipping whiskey and Cokes, talking about everything. His laughter is so genuine that I find myself acting foolishly just to hear it. I share my insecurities because I feel safe with him, and he slides closer to me.
“We’ve been together for quite some time,” he smiles.
“Shut up,” I say, attempting to plead with my eyes as I’ve seen done in films.
Initial Passion
“Whatever I did works and he kisses me with his mouth closed, sucking ever so slightly on my bottom lip. He pulls me up to his lap and I feel my face heating up. I’m still sweaty from the day and so is he, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He picks me up and carries me to the Queen-sized bed in his room, kissing my neck the whole way. I try not to let out more than tiny moans. I can’t let him know this is all I wanted from the second I saw him.”
Escalating Intimacy
“He lays me on the bed and I’m amazed at his strength. He bites my lip and I let out a moan louder than I expected, so he does it again. My shirt comes off and Peter works his way down to my pillowy breasts with his mouth. He unclasps my bra in one swift movement. His tongue is soft; he doesn’t push it hard against my skin. When he gives a tiny bite against the sensitive skin of my nipple, it feels so good.”
Heightened Sensations
“He’s circling the left one with his thumb and working the right with his warm mouth. I can feel myself getting wetter as he continues his expert movements. His right hand dances down my torso, unbuttons my pants, and slides them off. My underwear is soaked through; my whole body yearns for his touch. He rubs in soft little circles through the thin cloth. I try to touch the impressive bulge in his jeans, but he holds both of my wrists in his hand and pins them above my head.”
A Surge of Pleasure
“He pushes my underwear aside and slowly slides one finger into me. He gently bites my neck and increases his pace. I’m not sure what magic he does with his hand, but it takes my breath away and feels like floodgates are about to burst. He whispers, ‘That’s it, you can do it babe,’ in my ear and I let my body take over with a big shudder of wet pleasure.”
Moving to the Shower
“Peter smiles at me and lets go of my wrists. He picks me up again and takes me into the bathroom. I remove his shirt, unbutton his jeans, and feel his penis bulge. He slides my underwear off and smiles. ‘Look in the mirror,’ he says. I look at the reflection of my naked body. ‘Look at how beautiful.’ I smile at him and turn the shower on. It’s hard to disagree with a man like that. The warm water feels better than usual on my skin.”
Intimate Moments in the Shower
“Peter joins me in the shower, looking incredibly handsome. He pours some soap into his hand and massages my body. His hands slip and slide down me and he gets on his knees. As I rinse off, he pulls me close, gripping the back of my thighs. He kisses up my thighs to my still-recovering pussy. His mouth is on my clit and I beg for more. He lightly scratches down my back, then slaps and squeezes my ass. ‘Oh, fuck,’ I yell a little too loudly as he thrusts his tongue deep into me. I climax again, and he continues licking.”
Reentering the Bedroom
“He turns the shower off and leads me by the hand back to his room, still dripping wet. He tells me to get on my knees and bend over. He holds my wrists behind my back with one hand and my hair with the other. He doesn’t hurt me at all. He spits into his hand and rubs it on me, already moist enough. Peter teases me with just the tip until I’m begging, my legs shaking. He asks if I’m ready and upon my begging, he thrusts into me. I scream into the pillow from the overwhelming sensation.”
Culmination
“His movements stretch me as he thrusts deeper and faster, pulling my hair and making me scream for him. He grabs my hips and intensifies his thrusts until we both climax, gasping for air. He lies down next to me and I collapse, breathless, beside him. As I listen to Peter’s rhythmic breathing, watching his chest rise and fall, my thoughts turn sour. I watch him sleeping peacefully, envious of his serenity. He seems untouched by the worries that plague me.”
Reflection and Departure
“As guilt overcomes me, Peter’s face reminds me of my husband, sending a pang of guilt through me. My transformation in the village has been profound; I’ve shifted from a workaholic to a reflective observer. Yet, despite the villagers’ liberating lifestyle, I cannot fully embrace their simplicity. As I prepare to leave, realizing I have a story of resilience and simplicity to tell, I wake Peter for one last moment of wild freedom.
This experience in Kampong Lorong Buangkok has humbled me, revealing a life unshackled by societal expectations.